NBAA Forcefully Responds to Major Paper's Treatment of the BARR
When the Wall Street Journal recently published a front-page story sensationalizing business aviation and leaving out key reasons why companies of all sizes rely on the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR), NBAA was quick to respond. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen forcefully defended the legitimate safety, security and competitive reasons companies use the BARR in an interview with the paper, then followed up with a letter to the editor noting that the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) plan to severely curtail the BARR "would enable anyone – terrorist, criminal, cyber-stalker, business competitor, paparazzi – with a simple Internet connection to track the movements of thousands of aircraft and, for all practical purposes, their occupants." Read NBAA's letter.

Tell Congress to Preserve BARR in Final FAA Reauthorization Bill
The final hurdle for an FAA reauthorization bill is a panel of conferees from the House and Senate who will reconcile differences in the bills passed earlier this year by each chamber. NBAA has joined other industry groups in urging the conference panel to include language in the House version of FAA reauthorization preserving the BARR program – an appeal that has also made by a group of senators. With NBAA's Contact Congress resource, you can send your own message to the panel, telling them that "significantly limiting the BARR represents an unwarranted invasion of the privacy of aircraft owners and operators, a threat to the competitiveness of U.S. companies and a potential security risk to persons on board." Learn more about the BARR program, or Contact Congress today.

FAA Issues InFO Notice on Use of iPad and Similar EFBs
In a new notice, the FAA provides information for pilots using iPads and other tablet computing devices such as electronic flight bags (EFBs). For aircraft operated under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), FAA authorization is not required to utilize an iPad or similar EFB; however, installation and airworthiness requirements outlined in Advisory Circular 120-76A are still applicable. Additionally, Part 91 operators choosing to use an EFB in lieu of paper references must comply with regulations applicable to portable electronic devices and required flying equipment. Part 135 air carriers or Part 91K fractional providers must get specific FAA authorization to use an iPad or other EFB in place of paper reference. Learn more.

Pilots Reminded to Include Aircraft Call Sign in Readbacks to ATC
NBAA has learned of a recent increase in air traffic control (ATC) operational errors and deviations due to incomplete pilot readbacks that do not include the aircraft call sign. The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual emphasizes in section 4-2-1 that "it is essential...that pilots acknowledge each radio communication with ATC by using the appropriate aircraft call sign." Learn more and review the FAA guidance.

NOTAMs Available From Alternate Sources During Server Transition
The FAA's notice to airmen (NOTAM) system will be migrated to new servers on May 28 from 0600z to 1030z. While the FAA servers are offline during the transition, pilots will have to use alternative procedures to check NOTAMs. Pilots should contact a flight service station at (800) 992-7433 to obtain NOTAM information. Two web sites will also provide a full picture of NOTAMs during the outage. Lockheed Martin will provide D NOTAMs and an FAA site will provide FDC NOTAMs, including temporary flight restrictions. Learn more and find links to the temporary sites.

NBAA Welcomes Senators' Call for FCC to Protect GPS
Last week, a group of more than 30 U.S. senators, led by Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ben Nelson (D-NE), sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission calling for all necessary steps to be taken to protect the Global Positioning System (GPS) from disruption-causing interference. The senators' letter comes as NBAA and other groups have formed a "Coalition to Save Our GPS," to protect the system, which thousands of aircraft operators rely on for navigation. The concern over potential GPS disruptions has arisen because a wireless broadband company called LightSquared intends to use spectrum immediately adjacent to that used by GPS, and a signal that could drown out GPS signals. Learn more and read a copy of the senators' letter.

CBP Marks Two-Year Anniversary of Aircraft APIS Program
Since regulatory requirements for private aircraft to participate in the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) took effect In May 2009, more than 40,000 users have registered for the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program. Thanks to an effective partnership between NBAA, CBP and other industry groups, compliance with requirements to submit aircraft and passenger information in advance of international flights has consistently been over 99 percent. CBP also reports that only five penalty cases have been initiated against pilots for non-compliance with APIS regulations. This month's edition of the CBP newsletter also includes guidance on what to expect after an APIS transmission and other best practices. Learn more.

Government Includes GA in Emergency Preparedness Exercise
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last week included general aviation (GA) in a national-level exercise while simulating a national disaster. It was the first time the federal agency had officially recognized GA's value in a simulated disaster situation. "Our GA 'ready fleet' performed superbly," said Marianne Stevenson, president of AERObridge, a group that coordinates use of business aircraft in emergencies. She served in FEMA's Washington, DC master control cell as a subject-matter expert, helping integrate volunteer pilots and aircraft with a plethora of government agencies on every level. "Within the first 24 hours, we had 100 of them acknowledge they could fly the missions we were asking." Learn more.

Mississippi Becomes Latest State to Proclaim Aviation Value
The Mississippi State House and Senate issued a joint resolution last week recognizing the value of all aviation – including business aviation – to the state's economy and transportation system. The resolution acknowledged that "the airports in Mississippi generate hundreds of millions of dollars in direct and indirect economic benefits within the state, and play an essential role in the state's economic development and growth." It designated May every year as Aviation Month in the state and was presented to the Mississippi Airports Association. Read the resolution.

Member Company John Deere Offers Tips for International Missions
U.S. companies know they must enter new international markets to remain competitive in this era of globalization. Dave Everitt, president of John Deere's Agriculture and Turf Division, said, "we are making numerous investments in Asia because that is where the future growth is. We have to be there and compete." The ability to travel to emerging markets quickly is crucial for Deere, and the company's flight department has been able to successfully transition to support the company's international travel requirements. The latest edition of Business Aviation Insider, sponsored by Baldwin Aviation and Universal Weather & Aviation, has the full story.

Aerotropolis: The Intersection of Flight and Commerce
Dr. John Kasarda, author of Aerotropolis: The Way We'll Live Next, envisions entire cities built around what he considers the center of commerce in the 21st century: the airport. His book describes the concept of cities that use airports as the focal point of their business districts. He suggests that businesses now are as in touch with companies across the globe as they are with those across the street, and therefore, the "aerotropolis" concept is central to competing in a global economy. To learn more about Kasarda's argument for creating more aerotropolises in the United States, listen to the NBAA Flight Plan podcast or read the full story.

EBACE2011 Closes With Record Exhibitors
The 11th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2011) ended its three-day show with a record number of 511 Exhibitors and an increase in attendance, as the outlook for the industry continues to improve. A total of 12,751 Attendees came to the show from 108 countries – an increase from last year's 11,186 and the second-highest attendance total ever. "We take these numbers as a welcome sign that the economic environment for business aviation is beginning to improve," said European Business Aviation Association President and CEO Brian Humphries. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed, saying that EBACE "demonstrates that business aviation is highly valued by enterprises around the world." Learn more.

What's in Store for the 2012 Olympic Games?
Companies planning missions to London next year as the 2012 Summer Olympics are taking place should familiarize themselves beforehand with airspace and security requirements, according to a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) official, but overall they shouldn't expect a dramatically different experience. "Generally, it will be the airspace as it is today," reports Jonathan Nicholson, CAA assistant director of corporate communication. "Finding a parking space may be a bit more difficult, though." Learn more.

White Plains Forum Features Full Session Agenda
NBAA's Business Aviation Regional Forum in White Plains, NY on June 8 is expected to draw more than 1,200 Attendees and nearly 100 Exhibitors to Westchester County Airport (HPN), providing an ideal venue to learn, conduct business and discuss timely operational, regulatory and financial issues. The agenda includes expert-led sessions on aircraft transactions, regional airspace and traffic management initiatives, transitioning to digital charts, tire safety and more. In addition, nearly 30 business aircraft will be on static display. Register today or learn more.

New General Aviation Reliever Airport for Austin Area
After more than three years of development, the former Bird's Nest Airport has been expanded and re-envisioned as Austin Executive Airport (EDC), which means new access for business aviation in the Austin, TX area. The airport is located on the northeast edge of Austin with access to the downtown, Capitol and Silicon Hills areas of the city. EDC now provides a world-class 27,500 square foot FBO with arrival canopy, 6,025-ft. runway and 29,000 sq. ft. business aviation hangar, and is served by two GPS LPV approaches. Though the airport is already open for arrivals, the grand opening is scheduled June 8 at 1:00 p.m. To learn more, contact NBAA's Steve Hadley at shadley@nbaa.org or visit the airport site.

Industry Groups Bring Safety Event to Northeast
For the first time, NBAA teamed up with the National Air Transportation Association and the Helicopter Association International to support a regional association – the Connecticut Business Aviation Group – in presenting a regional safety event. Held May 19, the Northeast Safety Symposium was attended by more than 100 people at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT and featured sessions on avoiding bird and wildlife strikes, preparing an emergency response plan and other important topics. NBAA supports regional groups across the country in holding safety events. To plan a safety day in your area, contact your NBAA regional representative.

May Is Membership Month – Don't Miss Your Chance to Win
Membership Month at NBAA is soon coming to a close, but there is still time to refer a friend or colleague and be entered for a chance to win prizes like American Express gift cards and tickets to the NBAA 64th Annual Meeting & Convention in Las Vegas for both you and the company you refer. Every referred member that joins by May 31 will save 20 percent off their first-year dues. Just direct them online and have them enter Promo Code REFERRAL and your name when prompted. Also, for a chance to win an Apple iPad, share your favorite Membership experience or Member benefit. Complete the online form with your story by May 31.

NBAA Tax Seminar Presents Updates From Legal, Financial Experts
To help both the flight department personnel responsible for aircraft finances and their legal and accounting advisers stay abreast of the latest changes to the tax environment, NBAA is offering its annual Business Aviation Taxes Seminar in San Francisco, CA on June 3. "Recent changes in tax policies, regulations, interpretation and enforcement make this year's seminar especially important," said event chair Stephen Hofer, president of Aerlex Law Group. Register now and read more about the program.

'Passport' Helps Flight Attendants Plan for Conference
As next month's Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference nears, NBAA's Flight Attendants Committee has prepared a "Conference Passport" document to help Attendees plan ahead and make the most of their time at the event. The resource contains a message from the committee chair, housing and transportation suggestions, first-time Attendee guidance, frequently asked questions, tips for a successful conference and more. The event will be held June 16 to 18 in San Diego, CA. Register now and download the Conference Passport.